Sabah
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
The best time to visit Sabah is February–September, when it is at its strongest for nature & wildlife and beach. Good visibility for scuba diving and reliable trail conditions on Mount Kinabalu with moderate rainfall. River cruises along the Kinabatangan River offer excellent wildlife viewing.
Plan a trip to SabahMonth by month
| Month | Fit | Weather | Crowds & prices | What it's good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7/10 | 28°C · 21 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Culture. Frequent rain showers from the tail end of the northeast monsoon can make seas choppy and trails slippery. Wildlife spotting and rainforest visits remain viable between downpours. |
| February | 9/10 | 29°C · 14 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Nature & wildlife, Beach, Hiking. Statistically the driest month of the year, offering prime conditions for climbing Mount Kinabalu, diving around Sipadan, and island hopping. Chinese New Year brings lively celebrations across Kota Kinabalu. |
| March | 9/10 | 30°C · 20 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Beach, Hiking. Good visibility for scuba diving and reliable trail conditions on Mount Kinabalu with moderate rainfall. River cruises along the Kinabatangan River offer excellent wildlife viewing. |
| April | 9/10 | 31°C · 19 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Beach, Hiking. Warm weather and relatively low rainfall make this an ideal month for beach holidays and marine safaris. Water visibility is consistently excellent across east and west coast dive sites. |
| May | 9/10 | 31°C · 21 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Culture, Beach, Nature & wildlife. May is highlighted by the vibrant Kaamatan Harvest Festival celebrated across Sabah with traditional dances and feasts. Temperatures are among the warmest of the year. |
| June | 8/10 | 30°C · 22 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, City breaks, Beach. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but leave morning hours clear for nature reserves and coastal excursions. A balanced month for exploring Danum Valley and Sepilok. |
| July | 9/10 | 30°C · 20 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Nature & wildlife, Beach, Hiking. International summer holiday crowds arrive, drawn by calm seas and prime wildlife sightings in the jungle. Kinabalu climbing slots often book out well in advance. |
| August | 9/10 | 30°C · 21 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Nature & wildlife, Beach, Hiking. Strong summer travel demand pairs with fantastic scuba diving conditions and predictable afternoon rain patterns. Sea turtle nesting is active along the eastern islands. |
| September | 8/10 | 30°C · 21 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, City breaks, Beach. Crowds thin out while outdoor activities remain largely accessible before the heavier autumn rains arrive. Malaysia Day on September 16 brings regional festivities. |
| October | 7/10 | 29°C · 26 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Nature & wildlife. The wettest month with significant rainfall increases, leading to muddy trails and occasional summit climb halts on Mount Kinabalu. Best for budget travelers seeking low hotel rates and lush rainforest scenery. |
| November | 7/10 | 29°C · 25 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Nature & wildlife. Sustained heavy rains and choppy seas limit diving visibility and island boat transfers. Jungle rivers run high, which can disperse wildlife away from riverbanks. |
| December | 7/10 | 29°C · 25 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | City breaks, Nature & wildlife, Culture. Holiday travelers elevate accommodation demand despite frequent wet spells from the northeast monsoon. Urban attractions, indoor cultural centers, and festive events in Kota Kinabalu are bustling. |
Getting in
Israeli passport: Complicated entry — Entry restricted; prior written clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs required.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
